Cardwell Garden Centre Cafe in Inverclyde

Visited here a couple of times and the garden centre can be a bit chaotic with not much of a sense of order in most areas, the cafe has always served decent hot food and generous portion sizes

Lovely place to visit. We bought several items from the little gift shop area and some items from the pet supplies. We also stopped for something to eat, it was a bit close to closing time and they didn't have the item left that my son wanted, I explained my son had issues with certain foods and the gentleman at the food counter went out of his way to cook a meal for my son to enjoy, fantastic service and made our mealtime so much easier, thank you

My nine friends and I went to Cardwell Bay Nursery for a afternoon tea and it was fantastic . We had sausage rolls and sandwiches which were lovely and a great range of cakes. The staff were brilliant and so helpful and obliging. We can't wait to go back🤗

Website states cafe closes at 5 - arrived at 4:20, took a few minutes to look over the menu and went up to the counter to order a coffee and cake - only to be ignored by the first member of staff, then rudely told by a second member of staff that they were closed. On reflection, they probably saved us from their overpriced and mediocre fare. I wish I had read their reviews before visiting the cafe. It seems this is their normal customer service. It’s such a shame - it’s a fantastic setting, just really let down by their disinterested staff.

On arrival the parking area is cramped and there’s not much space for the disabled, either for drop off or parking. Inside the ‘centre’ the floors are all on different levels though with slopes not steps, but still difficult to negotiate. Even with inflation the prices seem rather excessive, especially when it comes to the food which was rather poor quality and presentation. However the serving staff were very helpful and friendly which was a change from the rest of this ‘establishment. Probably best avoided

Hospital food would have been better! Macaroni cheese was over cooked and left a chalky residue in your mouth. The chips that accompanied it were luke warm. The coffee was not very good tasting for the price. Overall it was presented like school dinners, very off putting. Won't be back 😡

I had the all-day breakfast. Bacon swimming in grease, very poor quality sausages and almost burnt fried eggs. Coffee was free - just as well as not nice. Very limited menu. Food not a patch on what it used to be.

Food average at best but staff are quite rude, slow and do the bare minimum. Shame as it’s a lovely garden centre to visit.

The garden centre was excellent but the 3 stars are for the restaurant this is the second visit to the garden center and we love it however the cafe staff are awful and the service was terrible

Food barely lukewarm. Staff had to warm up our meals but still cold before finishing. VERY poor and overpriced. Dont ever write reviews but this was bad enough to make a start. Will not eat there again.

It’s been some time since I last ate or had a coffee here, Garden Centre is great, the restaurant a huge letdown, I hoped it had improved, I ordered steak pie, roast potatoes and veg and a latte, The boy started lifted a cup for the latte, everywhere normally serves it in a latte mug as I had to for it to be put in a mug, I was told to watch the place was very hot, no it wasn’t in was slightly warm, the food didn’t look that hot, and I was right it was luke warm, food should never be served luke warm, but that was just the start the pastry was inedible what wasn’t soggy was brick had, the roast potatoes were so crisp you would need a chain saw to cut them, the broccoli was a pile of vile tasting mush and the carrots were tasteless, some of the meat was tender while other parts were tough, the coffee was no where near a latte, it was way to strong bitter and disgusting. After a few mouthfuls of food two sips of coffee, I put it on the tray and left, It has been about 5+ years since I last ate or had coffee there, I will never return

Whenever I eat at the cafe, I remember why I don’t eat at the cafe. The food is fine, but it’s way too expensive for the miserable service and what it is. Just make eye contact, say ‘I’ll be right with you’ and heck, smile?

Very disappointing. We havent been here since before covid. Arrived at cafe anticipating some good food. Ordered macaroni and chips. It was awful...overpowering taste of flour. Very little cheese, strange orange colour. soggy pasta.Chips were overcooked.Carrots were soggy. 2 cans of lemonade. Cost £25.00! We had to look around for a clean table. Lady who served us was very pleasant and helpful. We wont be back.

Have not been here for years. It's not changed at all, same candles,bath bombs etc except more expensive. Ordered coffee,piece of cake and a juice. Not much change from £10. Bit expensive.

Very disappointing. Had been here previously for tea and cake, so after a walk along the seafront we thought this would be a good place for lunch. Never again! It is really badly designed and managed. There is one counter for some 'hot food' but a separate one for other hot food like toasties and baked potatoes. My husband had to queue at one for his soup and I queued at the other for my toastie. There were three working on the hot food counter and few customers there so he was served very quickly. Unfortunately my counter was another story. Only two young girls working on it, they were working hard so not their faults but they obviously hadn't been trained on how to manage so were each trying to do everything (rather than have one taking orders, doing the drinks and cold food, while the other could cook the hot food). This resulted in it taking them ages to serve only two people while the rest of us waited for a very long time. A 'manager' seemed to come and help himself to a sandwich while ignoring the growing queue and the struggling girls (the ones on the opposite counter were standing doing nothing at this point but none of them were moved over to help these two out). By the time I was finally served with my basic but expensive toastie, my husband's soup was cold (no table service, we had to stand and wait for all the food before being able to pay). We had planned to have a cake and coffee after but went elsewhere as couldn't face going through that palaver again. This poor management/lack of training in customer service seemed to extend to the garden centre too. When we tried to go through the shop on our way out we had to dodge a young assistant hoovering - this was at 1pm! Surely that should be done at the start or end of the day. The whole place seems like a shambles now which is a shame as it would be a great location for a good garden centre and cafe.

Cardwell Garden Centre offers a pleasant experience for families with children, thanks to its enjoyable outdoor play area. Kids will have a great time exploring and playing in a safe environment. However, I must mention that my visit to the cafe left a bit to be desired. The food was disappointingly dry, and the outdoor seating area was unfortunately not well-maintained, with bird droppings covering the furniture. While the play area is a definite highlight, improvements in the food quality and cleanliness of the outdoor seating would greatly enhance the overall experience.

Best Steakpie Lunch anywhere! The homemade soups are excellent and there is always a vast selection delicious cakes. The garden centre also has lots of parking and knowledgeable helpful staff.

The cafe is a massive aircraft hanger of a place. There are separate counters for hot food and salad/cakes. The steak pie also had sausages in it as did the beef olives. The food was lukewarm and average at best

Absolutely disgusting would never go back 1. Found plastic in my food! 2. Never met such rude staff in all my life I was appalled and the manager was no help at all such a let down for such a beautiful place

Visited with husband and grandson. It has been some time since I last visited and was looking forward to it. We were going to have lunch, but what was visible to diners, looked shocking. The roast beef in gravy looked like it had been sitting for weeks, the broccoli which had clearly turned yellow had been overcooked and looked dreadful. I ordered a bowl of chips which were cool and soggy. On looking at toastie fillings, they did not look much better. 2 coffees ordered, which were about the worst I have tasted in a long time. The tables were not cleared and floor a mess. I really regret going there, and had travelled a distance as a lovely dau out. Really poor experience.

Went for easter Sunday breakfast food was just dumped on the plate no appeal at all no care in presentation, the black pudding was broken in bits under the terrible egg the pork links (I think) had no tatse, on the good side the square sausage was tasty but cold in fact the whole breakfast was at best lukewarm The cost of 2 "breakfasts" and 2 teas was £23.60 not cheap for the rubbish served would definatly NOT recommend this place

This isn't just a cafe, it's a whole day out! We usually start in the cafe though, have a great lunch as there's a good choice of food on the menu. We wander round the garden centre and shop, often picking up gifts for family and friends, then there's the option of crossing the road, and wandering along the river front.

Poor restaurant set up with no menu available to view before queuing, which means you have no idea what to order. One small printed menu is provider stuck to a post at the ‘beginning’ of the queue in small writing is not helpful, we waited 10 mins to see this. In addition notes on menu say vegan menu options but staff couldn’t find a vegan menu to show. This is a queue and wait for food on a tray set up, with no wall board. Nothing to eat for vegan customers. Food smelt like school dinners.

A stop for lunch and found this cavernous restaurant in a large garden centre. No the most exciting of buildings but they have tried hard to make it more homely. The food - a good range - was excellent and delivered very fast. The guys...

When we first moved to the area over 5 years ago Cardwell seemed a unique, independent gem. However it now seems a very large, uninspiring warehouse with a collection of outdated "stuff" The areas aren't defined and you never feel you can ask anyone for...

The garden centre is a great day out, me and my 5 year old go often, we love it, and we get lunch, it isn't the cheapest, but the location is great and there is so much to see. highly recommend.

Ok if it’s raining and there’s nothing to do, but that about it, was going to have some lunch but not a great deal available, maybe went on an off day.

Staying locally, and after a walk along the coast stopped in here for lunch. Wasn't busy, so no problems seating 6 adults and 2 kids. Play area inside for small kids, with a larger sand pit/climbing area for older ones. Food was tasty, freshly cooked...

Second visit in six months never again. Slow service and cold. Staff could do with a visit to charm school. Back impression to give visitors. Not helped by the lady giving the gardening lecture with the booming pa system.

I visited here last week and had steak pie with roast potatoes and vegetables. Unfortunately it tasted like it had been cooked the day before. The pie and pastry were so dried up and overcooked as were the vegetables, which were tasteless. The coffee and...

Ordered baked potato with Mexican chicken, mainly sauce. In hindsight should have complained when in the restaurant. Also overcharged by £10.00 when looked at the bill when returned home. Maybe my fault as I did not pay cash. Just handed over the card.

Nice lovely drive along the coast on a sunny day. Ended up at Cardwell which is DOG FRIENDLY. We both had Scampi & chips & peas. Scampi was DELICIOUS although peas could have been a bit warmer. I had a fruit scone with butter and...

Purchase 3 bags of Manure 14/03/22. Credit Card Payment appeared not to go through due to new state of the are software, but the Till receipt said successful. Was asked to reinsert my card and try again on a different card terminal. Was unhappy with...

We arrived after purchasing some plants and shrubs for a bit of breakfast, coffee etc, be be seated with the coldest room in the planet. There was no sandwiches , bacon, sausages, or trays and to top it all no staff to be found.. There...

Helpful staff. Gluten Free parsnip soul. Unable to supply the usual GF roll because of Bank Holiday break over Christmas. The serving lady gave us a GF honeybun product instead. Thank you. Excellent service.

Cardwell needs to up its game, particularly in the cafe. Always the same food, the same slow service and the same leaking teapots and coffee cups used as tea cup. Tea gets cold quickly and the one tiny bag is not enough for a refill...

Tired and needing some tlc cafe was so disappointing Xmas dinner was awful staff seemed to be tired and not happy in there work Would definitely not go back

Have always enjoyed visiting Cardwell Bay Garden Centre so was looking forward to going today with friends & getting in the festive atmosphere. Walking in previously at Christmas time there has always been a good photo op; either a sleigh or outside of Santa’s grotto...

Visited through the week and it seemed like there was no heating on at all. Food was tasty and warm enough but when we took our coats off to sit and eat, within a few minutes they were back on again, After lipunch we popped...

Staff were unprofessional, looked miserable to be at their work and unhygienic. My friend and I ordered hot chocolate, coffee and cakes. The cakes were stale, dry and hard. An absolute disgrace. The hot drinks were luke warm. Prices were too high and tables were...

I went here with my wife today with the idea of looking for Christmas decorations, possibly some plants and finishing it off with some lunch. The whole place was completely soulless, cold and with staff who were clearly bored and did not want to be...

My friend and I visited the cardwell garden centre last week very disappointed in the soup that was served tasteless and very thick and cold I sorry that we didn't complain this is a shame as we always think the food is lovely but if...

Good garden centre, pleasant helpfully staff but good not so good. Steak and sausage pie, meat was good and tender but pastry too hard and roast potatoes over cooked

Had heard many great comments on this restaurant so decided to pay a visit. We both opted for ham broth hoping to follow with a coffee and one of the many delicious looking cakes. The soup was half a smallish bowl of thin soup and...

After a nice walk with the dog thought we would nip in to the cafe for a bite to eat. Dog friendly as there are seats outside. Let me just say we had fish & chips which were DELICIOUS & the staff & service was...

Remember going to Cardwell Bay Nursery when it was at Cardwell Bay, with my Dad, who is 98 now. Also, remember when cafe was upstairs and my Grandma would enjoy a cup of tea and a scone. Present day...... The restaurant is just awful. We...

Below par canteen food at restaurant prices. Paid nearly £20 for one soup, a soup and sandwich and two cold drinks. The soup was not very nice at all, I feel terribly ripped off and disappointed with the whole experience.

well where do you statr, a very well stocked garden centre which stocks everything you possibly need, but the retaurant needs looked at, firstly there was no trays for your Lunch to carry, then you order at the hot counter push your plate down to...

My husband and granddaughter were there 6/7/21i felt the place was so run down not the usual feeling as we had been many times lots of places closed not many animals to see not even the ducks or rabbits disbite having called and been told...

My wife and i decided to travel from Ayr, and take lunch at Cardwell, we have been before but only for coffee/cake. We ordered fish and chips and beef burger with salad and chips. The fish was small in portion, made to look bigger by...

Having not been out for a while since the pandemic, we went to lunch at the Garden Centre. First ever visit and feeling a little apprehensive to be out in crowds, I was pleased to find a spacious carpark and then a well spaced garden...

Was in with friends after a walk our tea was stewed and the roll and sausage was cold due the length of time it took us to get served the staff need to improve their customer service skills as they appeared disinterested in their work

Visited cafe today with my Mum and great niece. When paying for / collecting food with a young toddler, I was helped greatly by Fay who immediately offered to carry the tray to our table for us. As a family, this has always been a...

Great place for food. My wife and I ordered two very fresh toasties, plate of chips a tea and a mineral water. Never been disappointed. Service from Jan was spot on. Thanks. Can't wait to go again!!!!

We visited on Saturday It was around 4pm Waited 15 minutes to be served a coffee one harassed girl was on the cake counter making specialty drinks for the couple in front of us . Other staff around but too busy cleaning the hot plates...

First time back since covid restrictions eased. Nice selection of gardening pots , plants & planters. Grabbed some lunch at the cafe which was very tasty & good choice. Staff always friendly and very helpful.

Called in here for a light lunch today. Long queue to be served and only one member of staff behind counter. Waited almost half an hour for a bland overpriced toasty. Almost £18 for two tasteless toasty with a side salad with no dressing and...

Came with friend for compost and had quick walk about. Very little stock just now and recognised Christmas stock going out as last year's. Hope you are getting new Christmas stock as it's been a long year and people are looking forward to Christmas and...

Food/Drink ordering system cumbersome and tedious, made worse by the fact that the current track/trace which should be taken at the point of entry to the cafeteria is taken by the cashier who is already dealing with the usual orders. By the time food /drink...

Visited with my partner and son and won't be back, I'm afraid. Panini had to be returned to actually be cooked, my son's sandwich was stale, no cutlery or napkins given and when I went back to ask the cutlery I was given had tomato...

After hearing great views I visited with my parents! Garden centre was very poor, weeds all over really untidy we then visited the cafe waited half a hour for a cold meal, was supposed to be hot dog with onions and chips, no onions and...

First visit back since lockdown. Lots of empty spaces especially plants as if not restocking. Coffee was nice & paninis were nice. Serving staff could be a bit quicker.

I used to love the cafe here. Going for a Sunday steak pie was always a great treat. But last week on the first visit back since lockdown it was absolutely garbage. The steak was like old shoe leather unchewable actually and everything else on...

What happened ?? Did a tornado pass through. The plants area was a dump, small trees lying on their sides, stuff lying about, it was a complete dump. Plants were limp and overgrown they put in a covid route but I don't know what they...

After a long lockdown we went again to cardwell bay garden centre. Oh dear what a let down. Not well stocked .untidy in almost every department. One toilet available was a disabled one ( not a problem with that ) but it was filthy .urine...

It's a big restaurant serving very tasty Scottish / British food counter staff are so nice. Good-sized portions. it was a wee bit cold yesterday so the heating could be looked at but to be fair it was snowing then very sunny blue skies then...

Decided to take a drive down to the Garden Centre for lunch. We had a lovely welcome from the young girl on duty. We both chose the lasagne with roast potatoes. The portions, as usual, were very generous and the lasagnes were tasty, if quite...

Come here every year around Christmas to see the displays but usually for the macaroni cheese which is absolutely excellent and as close to old school dinners as you can get, Service is always good even though its mobbed and staff always smiling.

This is very spacious and has lots of gift ideas inside as well as plants. The café is big and has a great selection of food. Very enjoyable lunch here.

Went to Cardwell Garden Centre Cafe for Afternoon Tea. Was very impressed with the speed of service and cleanliness of serving area. Great array of very yummy cakes and the Hot Meals looked very appetising. When back in Scotland I will definitely go again.

Terrible Santa was awful you would see a better Santa on the streets and much more worthy of the £9.99 we paid for a plastic fire engine. Won’t be back to the Garden Centre or any other events. Just awful.

We took our 20 month old son to his first visit to santa . We waited 55 min in a queue which we where not bothered about until we seen santa . It actually looked like santa had taken the day off and asked his 12 year old nephew to step in . Being the age my son is as you can imagine he was quite wary , Santa did not help matters at all , as he just sat in his chair and did not speak . I was then told to pick a toy off the shelf and shown out the back door . 55 min in a queue that you could not have the pram in to be in and out in less than a minute and having to pick your own present. Very very disappointed . Since i have taken my son else where and the santa experience was fab , the difference a little interaction can do to help bring a child round . Complete waste of money and time , will not be back !

The cheapest white bread with water injected ham and plastic cheese for a toastie . Macaroni cheese with packet chips 2 coffees one merengue 30 quid. My advice is eat elsewhere or take your own benches available at the sea front. It was noted that many of the plates left after the diners had gone had half eaten food. Most of the goods on offer can be bought elsewhere considerably cheaper. Used to go a lot but won’t be back.

Visited again for a look at the Christmas displays. What a variety of stuff, and looks like more going out. There are ornaments/ decorations here that I’ve not seen elsewhere and at reasonable costs too.Then why not finish off with a turkey lunch in the patio restaurant- 2 lunches, 2 large drinks, change from £25. Lovely lunch, all fresh, better than many hotels in the West of Scotland. Top marks to chef and his team.For the younger ones Santa is there now, with a small carnival, check it out.As always staff are so friendly and helpful. A great trip out especially at this time of year. Thank you all for all your efforts.

This is a place my mum used to take us when we where younger. It's not the same. The Cafe is confusing, overpriced and the food we had was not great. My daughter had a cheese toastie £5.99 for cheap bread and cheese crushed together. For my younger daughter a cheese sandwich. £5. I would have wanted to get her mac and cheese, but that was a different counter and line. I would have had to join the end of the massive line or cut in front? It would maybe make sense to have 2 different sides for sweets and savoury but what if your wanting a toastie and a hot meal? You finally get served at one just to have to wait at the back to get served again? I paid £7.15 fir a baked potato and tuna. It came with a generous side of brown salad crisps. The potato skin was so chewy. Overcooked or just kept warm for too long. They tried to give a half full latte. I shouldn't have to ask for the full product that I'm paying for! When I looked at the prices I though the food must be good. I have honestly never been so disappointed.

This rather large garden centres worth a visit when in the area, it sells indoor houseplants as well as garden plants, household goods, even Christmas decorations at this time of the year, particularly worth a look is the rabbits and budgies pet rescue area, it also has a rather large cafeteria/restaurant capable of seating 300 people.

This is becoming a favourite spot for us whether it be for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, or dinner. The staff are friendly and attentive and portions ample. For lunch today we both chose the mince pie with mash. It was delicious and piping hot.

called in as part of a tour with urquarts, what a lovely garden centre cafe. It was really large, with lots on offer, shame we only had time for a coffee. There were great staff so friendly and all very clean. Hope we have longer next time.

Called in for an early breakfast - so early in fact we were the only ones in the restaurant at first! However the staff were friendly and helpful as ever. We had a square slice and potato scone roll and a bacon roll along with a pot of tea and a latte. We were given our drinks right away and by the time we were seated at our table the hot rolls arrived. Excellent service. Would highly recommend. We haven’t been in for meals in a while but hope to remedy that soon.

My wife and I went in for a late lunch, the place is huge and the choice is immense. My wife had the Steak Pie with Sausages in, it was Desperate Dan portions ! My wife really enjoyed her meal and said it was very tasty, just like her mum used to make. I had Macaroni Cheese and chips, once again a huge portion. Unfortunately the the Macaroni was tasteless, even with lots of added salt and pepper. The chips were fine, but I was a bit disappointed. Neither of us finished the meals as they were supersized, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just too much for us. The service was helpful and attentive and the the place was clean. The Garden Center itself is massive well worth a visit.

We travel often from near the source of the River Clyde along to Cardwell following the river most of the way. Passing by many good garden centres in the Clyde Valley. Cardwell has a bigger stock, more variety as some of the smaller ones. The restaurant is always good for either a meal or just a drink. Place is always spotless and staff so friendly. We can never find fault on any of our visits. Car parking is available on site , but, if the garden centre is really busy there is a public car park at the picnic area across the road.

This is a superb well-stocked place of quality. Park right outside, pick up a trolly and enjoy! Glorious hanging chandeliers with petunias and begonias, loads of specials (3 for 2) and a wide selection of everything you need. And you can have lunch.

The card well garden centre is a wonderful, enormous place with lots of beautiful plants, shrubs, pots etc you would expect in a garden centre. Fantastic gifts of all sorts and prices, books etc. The restaurant is huge, we generally visit in the morning so are fortunate enough to have hot scones fresh from the oven. The only unusual thing is the staff seem to clean the restaurant in the morning so are sweeping and wiping down the surfaces whilst customers are arriving/ eating. A little unusual, but cleaning around food bring eaten is bit strange.

Arrived to a very busy car park but the shopping area was quiet

Jewel in crown of garden centres,others should learn from this one Great staff should layout,cafe a bit dated but great day out

Overpriced assuming it has price on it! The wait st the tills were awful waited so long. AVOID AVOID AVOID

We were really impressed by this garden centre. It was massive inside. My only negative was the restaurant. We didn't know what was available to order, where we ordered etc and although there were lots of staff around they were all busy cleaning/clearing up. We finally ordered and the food was ok but we saw quite a few people walk out of the restaurant area because they had stood to be served and no staff approached them. However I would definitely recommend a visit to this garden centre.

We have been here a couple of times and we have found the food to be very good. The prices are competitive and the service was very good.

This place is surprisingly large and is excellent for gift shopping plus all your garden plants and accessories.

We had Sunday lunch in the restaurant. Although Pokemon drifted through the children, we were not disturbed! We both had roast beef and Yorkshire pud.It was faultless. We struggled to finish.

The extensive cafe with 2 serving areas offers a wide range of snacks and main courses overlooking the garden area, the meringues are very tempting, free parking on site. There is also an extensive gift area.

We visited this morning with our baby grandson who has an intolerance to dairy and soya. The staff were so helpful and informed about food allergies and found him food that was suitable . They also gave him a dairy and soya free icelolly. We will certainly visit again

Came to look at plants and decided to get a roll with tea, First time visit in cafe, place not busy as early in morning but the majority of folk having cooked breakfast.

Friendly staff and lovely clean sitting area, tables are not show horned together, so plenty of space.

We spent a couple of hours here to have some lunch and then a look around but it was a chilly February and we had already done a lot by lunchtime and were going to be heading home after our visit having been away overnight.

Lovely wee garden centre right next to Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. The Garden Centre has a small cafe with lovely home baking and cooked food. The day we were in, they had just baked huge, homemade sausage rolls. It would be good if something could be done about the ventilation so that you are not going a way with that cooked food smell clinging to your clothes. Seemed very popular and could imagine that they will need to expand at some time, Nice small gift shop, didn’t check out the garden centre grounds as it was wild when we visited. Would go back. Good service.

Great Place to go and get your plants, then sit back and have a coffee, but dont be looking for any WIFI. Most places have now realised that having WIFI is beneficial, unfortunately the Cafe has not. The soup is good, and the staff were very helpful.

Popped into the cafe after taking our wee one to visit Santa on Christmas Eve and it was very disappointing. We ordered the steak pie and the macaroni and it came to £17 for just the food. The steak pie was average and the macaroni was terrible! There was loads of tables needing cleared and the floor was a mess in the cafe. There was a few people working out on the floor that I think were supposed to be cleaning up but they were too busy talking to each other. The high chairs were also all dirty.

Great place to visit only draw back is the parking OK when quite but when busy go early so you won't have a bit of a walk especially if it is raining

What a great day our grandaughters had visiting Santa he was very good with the children and adults.we hope when we come back to visit Santa next year it is t he same santa .I have never had such a joyish experience with children seeing santa .